1839 Paris Médaille D’Argent Pump Inkstand – Two Sizes

Louis Honoré Boquet was an innovator with pump style inkwells, perfecting a system in which a plunger, when a knob is turned, makes the ink flow into the exterior font. “Médaille D’Argent 1839”, which is stamped into the turning knob, touts an award from the “Societé d’encouragement pour l’Industrie” (Association for encouragement of industry). This “silver medal” award helped promote Mr. Boquet’s products.

Two examples are pictured – one large-sized with three quill holes, one smaller with two quill holes. The bronze lid is marked: “Encrier bouquet – Inventeur Bté Paris”.  They work by turning the nob at the top which lowers a porcelain cylinder (drum). As it descends the displaced ink rises and fills the font above the scalloped shaped base. Turning the nob in the opposite direction raises the cylinder block allowing the ink to return to the reservoir.

To see how a pump inkwell works, check out this video:

French pump inkwell – YouTube

Mechanical Instructions:

Remove Mechanical Lid – There are two notches in the base of lid corresponding to two flanges on the bronze rim of master inkpot.  Grasp the base of lid, turn the lid counter-clockwise, then lift the cylinder out.

Fill – Fill with a small amount of ink 1/4″ to 1/2″ (do not overfill).  You may want to try water first.

Check Drum – Make sure drum is almost raised by turning counter-clockwise  (do not over tighten). Replace Mechanical Lid.  Replace notches over flanges and turn clockwise to lock.

Fill Reservoir – Remove side reservoir lid to observe ink fill.  Slowly turn the top knob clockwise to lower drum and force ink into the side font.

Finish – To close when finished, turn the top knob counter-clockwise to raise drum. The inkwell will flow back into the reservoir.